MD Winemaker Profiles
Throughout the year we will be profiling the characters behind the wines you buy - the winemakers of Maryland. Their stories provide great insight into Maryland wine's deep history and bright future.
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Kathryn Danko-Lord
Costa Ventosa Winery and Vineyard
9031 Whaleyville Road
Whaleyville , MD 21872
9031 Whaleyville Road
Whaleyville , MD 21872
Distinguishing themselves as the “fun-spirited” winery, Costa Ventosa Winery and Vineyard, located in Whaleyville, Maryland, was founded in 2008 by Kathryn Danko-Lord and her husband, Jack Lord.
“We decided early on not to take ourselves too seriously,” says Danko-Lord, describing the Costa Ventosa attitude as a lighthearted one. She treasures what she does and looks to spread her love of wine and winemaking to others.
Over 13 years ago, Danko-Lord first began winemaking by experimenting with kits, but she had little success. Refusing to give up her dream of owning a winery, she continued learning the wine industry by taking classes through the University of California. While school provided Danko-Lord with winemaking theory, partner and consultant Carl DiManno gave her the practical advice necessary to produce great wine.
Initially, Danko-Lord and her husband Jack had purchased their ten acres of land for farming produce. However, Danko-Lord shares that it was time for something different, and so in 2006 they planted their first Riesling grapevine.
Today, Costa Ventosa operates four acres of vines, producing Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling, Vidal, Chambourcin and Cayuga. Danko-Lord makes a total of ten wines and she personally prefers the white wine. Diana’s Delight, a Vidal Blanc named after her mother, is her favorite.
As a winemaker in Maryland, Danko-Lord feels Costa Ventosa is “lucky to have such caring people that really want us to succeed.” She notices a unique camaraderie and teamwork among Maryland winemakers, vineyards, state experts and the MWA, as they constantly encourage and support one another.
“Their wines are incredibly representative of Kathryn’s flair for fun and happiness,” says Carl DiManno, consulting winemaker.
Costa Ventosa’s whimsical and spirited approach to winemaking can be demonstrated by their Assawoman Bay Sparkling Chardonnay. Danko-Lord explains that when she first made the wine in 2010, it was not intended to sparkle. “Any other winery might just serve it without mention of the goof up,” says Danko-Lord. “Oh no, not us…we call it The Winemaker’s Mistake.”
Costa Ventosa’s easy-going attitude is what makes it a delightfully unique Maryland winery. “We take a lot of time to put people at ease and just enjoy the experience.”
“We decided early on not to take ourselves too seriously,” says Danko-Lord, describing the Costa Ventosa attitude as a lighthearted one. She treasures what she does and looks to spread her love of wine and winemaking to others.
Over 13 years ago, Danko-Lord first began winemaking by experimenting with kits, but she had little success. Refusing to give up her dream of owning a winery, she continued learning the wine industry by taking classes through the University of California. While school provided Danko-Lord with winemaking theory, partner and consultant Carl DiManno gave her the practical advice necessary to produce great wine.
Initially, Danko-Lord and her husband Jack had purchased their ten acres of land for farming produce. However, Danko-Lord shares that it was time for something different, and so in 2006 they planted their first Riesling grapevine.
Today, Costa Ventosa operates four acres of vines, producing Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling, Vidal, Chambourcin and Cayuga. Danko-Lord makes a total of ten wines and she personally prefers the white wine. Diana’s Delight, a Vidal Blanc named after her mother, is her favorite.
As a winemaker in Maryland, Danko-Lord feels Costa Ventosa is “lucky to have such caring people that really want us to succeed.” She notices a unique camaraderie and teamwork among Maryland winemakers, vineyards, state experts and the MWA, as they constantly encourage and support one another.
“Their wines are incredibly representative of Kathryn’s flair for fun and happiness,” says Carl DiManno, consulting winemaker.
Costa Ventosa’s whimsical and spirited approach to winemaking can be demonstrated by their Assawoman Bay Sparkling Chardonnay. Danko-Lord explains that when she first made the wine in 2010, it was not intended to sparkle. “Any other winery might just serve it without mention of the goof up,” says Danko-Lord. “Oh no, not us…we call it The Winemaker’s Mistake.”
Costa Ventosa’s easy-going attitude is what makes it a delightfully unique Maryland winery. “We take a lot of time to put people at ease and just enjoy the experience.”
